Short Story Elements Quiz Questions
This quiz will determine your knowledge of some of the more common elements of short stories.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
What is NOT a characteristic of a short story?
- A.
Tells about a single event or experience
- B.
Creates an impression on the reader
- C.
Non-fiction
- D.
Usually 500-15,000 words in length
Correct Answer
C. Non-fictionExplanation
A short story is a work of fiction, so it is not non-fiction. Non-fiction refers to writing that is based on real events, people, or facts. Short stories are typically works of imagination that tell about a single event or experience. They aim to create an impression on the reader through their concise and focused narrative. Additionally, short stories are usually between 500-15,000 words in length, which distinguishes them from longer forms of storytelling such as novels.Rate this question:
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- 2.
This is the main idea of a literary work. It is the "message" the writer is trying to convey.
- A.
Mood
- B.
Genre
- C.
Idea
- D.
Theme
Correct Answer
D. ThemeExplanation
The correct answer is "Theme." In literary works, the theme refers to the central idea or message that the writer is trying to convey. It is the underlying concept or insight that the author wants the readers to take away from the story. The theme provides a deeper understanding of the work and often explores universal truths or human experiences. It is different from the mood, which is the emotional atmosphere created by the writer, and the genre, which categorizes the work based on its style or subject matter.Rate this question:
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- 3.
The air was hot, the sand even hotter. There wasn't any grass as far as the eye could see. The sky was radiant blue and the sun's rays were baking everything around me. This is an example of what short story element?
- A.
Plot
- B.
Setting
- C.
Atmosphere
- D.
Device
Correct Answer
B. SettingExplanation
The passage describes the physical environment in which the story takes place. It provides details about the air, sand, grass, sky, and sun, creating a vivid picture of the surroundings. This focus on the location and atmosphere suggests that the passage is emphasizing the setting of the story.Rate this question:
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- 4.
I am the villian of short stories.
- A.
Antagonist
- B.
Protagonist
- C.
Antigone
- D.
Prothagrias
Correct Answer
A. AntagonistExplanation
The correct answer is "Antagonist." In literature, the antagonist is typically the character or force that opposes the protagonist, creating conflict and tension in the story. They are often portrayed as the villain or the main source of opposition for the protagonist. In short stories, the antagonist plays a crucial role in driving the plot and creating a sense of challenge for the main character.Rate this question:
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- 5.
I am the hero of a short story.
- A.
Antagonist
- B.
Protagonist
- C.
Antigone
- D.
Prothagrias
Correct Answer
B. ProtagonistExplanation
The correct answer is "Protagonist." In a story, the protagonist is the main character who drives the plot and is usually portrayed as the hero or central figure. They are typically faced with challenges or conflicts that they must overcome, making them the focus of the narrative. In this case, the statement "I am the hero of a short story" indicates that the speaker is the main character or protagonist of the story.Rate this question:
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- 6.
This is the highest point in a short story, usually the most exciting.
- A.
Finale
- B.
Height
- C.
Climax
- D.
Pinnacle
Correct Answer
C. ClimaxExplanation
The climax is the highest point in a short story and is usually the most exciting. It is the moment of greatest tension or conflict, where the story reaches its peak and the outcome of the main conflict is revealed. The climax is a crucial part of the story as it often leads to a resolution or change in the protagonist's situation. It is a turning point that can have a lasting impact on the reader and is essential for creating a memorable and impactful narrative.Rate this question:
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- 7.
The events following the climax, where things are "made better" and the story concludes is called the:
- A.
Resolution
- B.
The End
- C.
Overture
- D.
Finale
Correct Answer
A. ResolutionExplanation
The events following the climax, where things are "made better" and the story concludes, is called the resolution. This is the part of the story where loose ends are tied up, conflicts are resolved, and the characters find closure. It provides a sense of satisfaction and gives the reader a clear understanding of how the story concludes.Rate this question:
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- 8.
The problem in a short story that needs to be resolved is called the:
- A.
Drama
- B.
Conflict
- C.
Tension
- D.
Cheesecake
Correct Answer
B. ConflictExplanation
In a short story, conflict refers to the problem or struggle that needs to be resolved. It is the central issue that drives the plot and creates tension or drama. Conflict can be internal (within a character's mind) or external (between characters or a character and their environment). It adds depth and interest to the story by creating obstacles and challenges that the characters must overcome. Therefore, conflict is the correct answer in this context.Rate this question:
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- 9.
"I climbed the mountain in order to find the top" is an example of which type of Point of View?
- A.
First Person
- B.
Second Person
- C.
Third Person
Correct Answer
A. First PersonExplanation
The given sentence "I climbed the mountain in order to find the top" is an example of first person point of view because it is narrated from the perspective of the speaker who is directly involved in the action. The use of the pronoun "I" indicates that the speaker is sharing their personal experience and thoughts.Rate this question:
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- 10.
"She bought a new dress with money she had earned working at McDonald's" is an example of which type of Point of View?
- A.
First Person
- B.
Second Person
- C.
Third Person
Correct Answer
C. Third PersonExplanation
The given sentence, "She bought a new dress with money she had earned working at McDonald's," is written from the perspective of an outside observer. The narrator is not directly involved in the story and refers to the protagonist as "she." This indicates that the sentence is written in the third person point of view.Rate this question:
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- 11.
"You will buy a new car and then take that car to the track" is an example of which type of Point of View?
- A.
First Person
- B.
Second Person
- C.
Third Person
Correct Answer
B. Second PersonExplanation
The given statement "You will buy a new car and then take that car to the track" is an example of second person point of view. In second person point of view, the narrator addresses the reader or listener directly using the pronoun "you." This creates a sense of direct involvement and engagement with the audience, making them feel like they are a part of the story or scenario being described.Rate this question:
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- 12.
Answer the following question on your own paper: Define PLOT as it pertains to short stories. What is it? What effect does plot have on the reader?
- 13.
Answer the following question on your own paper: From the following excerpt, find two of each: Nouns, pronouns, action verbs, linking verbs, adverbs, adjectives, prepositions, and conjunctions. Find one interjection. List your answers like the example below: ex. Nouns: cat, dog Verbs: swim, kick Inside, he quietly enjoyed being a football player. Wow, did it mean a lot to him! This Saturday he will make his way down to the stadium for the big game. Last week it was against Henderson State. The game was very close. He had intercepted one errant pass and ran it back almost for a touchdown. The fans in the bleachers erupted in thunderous applause. In the end they lost by 3 points. This week he hoped to achieve a victory and end the season in winning fashion. "Certainly we have the talent to do it," he thought to himself.
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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Oct 23, 2011Quiz Created by
Lloydbuckley
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